TeachersFirst Update Archives

Back to School season has festooned the stores since June, but is reality for every student and teacher in August. As you make the transition to the school year routine, don’t miss the extra help TeachersFirst offers – free and ad-free. We don’t forget about school and shift to Halloween after September 1. We are with you for the exciting duration of 2011-12. If you are still savoring the last vestiges of summer, we’ll be here when you are ready.

TeachersFirst Members go “public”
Exciting new member features are now available on TF 3.0—free, as always. When you log in, your "My Start Page" tab includes a link to Update your profile (change password, school, subjects, email address, etc.) and another link to Add/edit your "public page." A TeachersFirst “public page” will display some or all of your TeachersFirst Favorites so students and parents can easily find the same resources you have come to trust. Your public page displays any brief NOTES you add to a Fav, such as things students should do at that site. When you save or edit a Favorite, you can elect to share it by clicking the checkbox to “Share on your public page.” If you write Notes with it, these will show on your public page, as well.

Members can also add Favs from a mobile device using TeachersFirst 3.0’s mobile friendly layout. Your new Favs will be on your public page for tomorrow's classes. The public page has space for announcements, schedule, contact info, etc. Another blessing of TeachersFirst’s public pages: schools do not block them!

On the CalendarRamadan began last week. Find resources for this and many other August/September events on the TeachersFirst Classroom Planning Calendar, front and center on the TeachersFirst home page. Holidays aren’t just for elementary students. You will also find “secondary” topics, including Constitution Day and Sept 11. How old were your students on that fateful day?

OK2Ask in August
August is a busy time for OK2Ask™ . These free, online snack sessions for teacher self-guided professional development are accessible from any computer with a high speed connection. No special “techie” expertise required. We issue Professional Development Certificates to those who meet the requirements, and you get to “meet” teachers from all over. Space is limited, so sign up early for these free offerings. Registration is now open for these remaining sessions. Read the full descriptions and sign up now:

THIS WEEK! Wiki Workshop: An open help session and time for teachers to ask questions, help each other. *PREREQUISITE -- see description.(Extended time session); Tuesday Aug 9, 2011. ONE time block only 3:30-5:30 pm EDT

Editors’ Choices from the TeachersFirst Edge: TeachersFirst Editors’ Top Three Picks (Extended time session);Tuesday, August 16, 2011; ONE time block only 3:30-5:30 pm EDT

Project options from the TeachersFirst Edge: A focused workshop using Google Docs(Extended time session); Thursday, August 18, 2011; ONE time block only 3:30-5:30 pm EDT.

XW1W question for the week of August 7: What is in your pockets today? Across the World Once a Week (XW1W) uses microblogging or blogging tools to share responses about everyday life from any corner of the world. The XW1W FAQ page explains it all. Make today’s instant communications an instant learning experience.